"In 1912, Simon Benson, a local businessman and philanthropist, donated $10,000 to the City of Portland to purchase and install 20 bronze drinking fountains, now known as Benson Bubblers.
Local folklore tells us that Simon Benson donated the 20 bronze drinking fountains as an effort to keep loggers out of the saloons at lunchtime. Others say that Benson was inspired after seeing a little girl crying at a 4th of July parade because she couldn't find a drink of water. Either way, the Benson Bubblers have become a historical and enduring legacy here in Portland." (Courtesy of portlandonline.com)
The fountains run from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., daily. They flow 365 days a year unless we have a freeze, in which case the water bureau shuts them down.
So if you're ever near Portland and you're thirsty you know you can always get a cold drink of water here!
Interesting - but and fancy looking things!
ReplyDeleteThanks Stacey
ReplyDeleteLove that first shot Mike...now I'm really thirsty!!
ReplyDeleteI love the first shot, up close! Funny I've seen these things all over town and never thought twice about them.
ReplyDeleteEve,
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Yolanda,
Me too, we tend to get use to them. Thank you!
These are too cool!
ReplyDeleteThanks Steve!
ReplyDeleteI love the first one. The water looks almost metallic. I've heard of the Benson Bubblers, but have never seen one...not that I have spent much time downtown. I enjoyed hearing the history.
ReplyDeleteWait...is the second shot near the museum? I've been there! I don't remember seeing the fountains.
These are near the art museum in the park blocks by Portland State. But these are sprinkled all over downtown.
ReplyDelete